Planning Executive

Planning Executive

London Full-Time 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support Account Managers in delivering innovative media campaigns and exceptional client service.
  • Company: Join Carat, a leading media agency known for connecting brands with their audiences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, wellness days, hybrid working, and discounts from top retailers.
  • Why this job: Build your planning expertise in a diverse, inclusive culture that values innovation and social impact.
  • Qualifications: No specific experience required; just bring your passion for media and a willingness to learn.
  • Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; we celebrate diversity and encourage all to apply.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.

Job Description:

Dentsu is an integrated growth and transformation partner to the world\’s leading organizations. Founded in 1901 in Tokyo, Japan, and now present in over 145 countries and regions, it has a proven track record of nurturing and developing innovations, combining the talents of its global network of leadership brands to develop impactful and integrated growth solutions for clients. Dentsu delivers end-to-end experience transformation (EX) by integrating its services across Media, CXM and Creative, while its business transformation (BX) mindset pushes the boundaries of transformation and sustainable growth for brands, people and society.

CARAT is an important part of our world‐class offering – an award‐winning media, content and branding agency that uses its peerless understanding of the passions, motivations, and behaviours of real people to bring brands and their customers together. Carat is privileged to work with some of the most eminent companies in the world.

We\’re hiring for a Planning Executive working a 70/30 split on Arla and Wickes as part of Carat in London .

Purpose of the RoleAs a Planning Executive at Carat, you will manage two diverse and high‐profile clients: Arla , a farmer‐owned dairy cooperative with a heritage of sustainability and innovation, focused on strengthening omni‐channel planning and driving long‐term growth; and Wickes , a leading UK DIY and home improvement retailer delivering full‐funnel campaigns to inspire home projects and seasonal sales while innovating in a fast‐changing media landscape. This role combines strategic media planning, insight‐driven recommendations, financial accuracy, and strong relationship management to deliver impactful campaigns across multiple channels.

Key Responsibilities

Managing the Business: Support AM & AD in delivering multiple workstreams including media planning, reporting, and billing, while ensuring accurate and timely project coordination and competitive reporting with actionable insights.

Relationship Management: Assist with client liaison and administration, build collaborative relationships with specialist teams, and engage with key media owners.

Finance & Budget Management: Ensure financial accuracy, reconcile plans against PO budgets, and monitor client debt and unbilled items to prevent aged status.

Reporting Oversight: Collate inputs from specialist teams into clear reports, host client reporting calls, and interpret results to facilitate constructive dialogue.

Communications Planning: Develop audience insights, translate them into media mix recommendations, and support execution of approved plans.

Qualifications + Skills

Client & Internal Relationships: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Arla, Wickes, and cross‐functional teams, ensuring seamless coordination and trust across all projects.

Organisation & Accuracy: Deliver high‐quality, error‐free work by managing tasks with precision, meeting deadlines, and maintaining strong attention to detail.

Learning & Development: Proactively expand knowledge of Arla\’s product portfolio and the evolving media landscape to enhance planning effectiveness.

Communication Skills: Establish clear communication processes with internal teams, creative partners, and external agencies to ensure alignment and timely issue resolution.

Problem‐Solving: Identify and resolve pacing and performance challenges quickly, driving continuous improvement in campaign delivery.

What we offer

This is a permanent role

The team is based in our London office but operates under flexible working arrangements. The team are currently in the office every 2nd Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday.

As well as a competitive salary, you\’ll enjoy a benefits package that you can tailor to your needs.

Inclusion and DiversityAt Dentsu, we embrace diversity and inclusion, valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. We believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation, benefiting our employees, partners, and communities.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.

We recognize the importance of work‐life balance and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements for all roles. If you need reasonable adjustments due to a disability or medical condition during our recruitment process, please contact us at accommodations@dentsu.com, quoting the reference number of the role that you are applying for. Your needs will be handled with respect and confidentiality to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

Location: London

Brand: Carat

Time Type: Full time

Contract Type: Permanent

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Planning Executive employer: Dentsu Aegis Network

At Dentsu, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a Planning Executive in our London office, you'll benefit from a hybrid working schedule, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks like paid volunteering days and wellness initiatives, all while collaborating with industry leaders to drive innovative media solutions. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you'll have the opportunity to enhance your planning expertise and build meaningful relationships within a supportive team environment.
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Contact Detail:

Dentsu Aegis Network Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Planning Executive

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Dentsu CCS suite of tools. Understanding how to use these tools effectively will not only help you in your role but also demonstrate your commitment to mastering the planning expertise required for the position.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current employees at Carat or within Dentsu. Engaging with them can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on industry trends and the competitive landscape of the clients you’ll be working with. This knowledge will enable you to contribute meaningfully to discussions and showcase your understanding of client needs.

✨Tip Number 4

Practice your presentation skills. Since the role involves leading meetings and presenting work, being comfortable and confident in this area will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Planning Executive

Project Management
Client Management
Communication Skills
Presentation Skills
Financial Acumen
Data Analysis
Media Planning Expertise
Relationship Building
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Collaboration Skills
Adaptability
Knowledge of Media Theory

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Planning Executive at Carat. Familiarise yourself with project management, client management, and planning expertise as outlined in the job description.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your project management abilities, client servicing experience, and any familiarity with media planning tools.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for media and branding. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed campaigns or built client relationships in the past, and express your enthusiasm for working with Carat.

Showcase Your Knowledge: In your application, demonstrate your understanding of the media industry and the importance of data-driven strategies. Mention any relevant coursework, projects, or experiences that have prepared you for this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Dentsu Aegis Network

✨Understand the Role

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Planning Executive. Familiarise yourself with project management, client management, and the tools mentioned in the job description, such as the Dentsu CCS suite.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Client Assistant, you'll need to communicate effectively with clients and internal teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships or collaborated with colleagues in the past.

✨Demonstrate Your Planning Expertise

Be ready to discuss your knowledge of media theory and how it applies to planning campaigns. Highlight any relevant experience you have in developing strategic recommendations or using data-driven insights to solve business challenges.

✨Prepare for Presentation Scenarios

Since the role involves presenting work and leading meetings, practice articulating your ideas clearly. You might be asked to present a past project or a hypothetical campaign, so be prepared to showcase your presentation skills.

Planning Executive
Dentsu Aegis Network
Location: London
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